SEPARATE STATEMENT OF CHAIRMAN MICHAEL POWELL
Re: Revision of the Commission's Rules To Ensure Compatibility with Enhanced 911
Emergency Calling Systems, Request for Waiver by Cingular Wireless LLC, Sprint
Spectrum L.P. d/b/a Spring PCS, Verizon Wireless, AT&T Wireless Services, Inc., Nextel
Communications, Inc.
I am disappointed and unsatisfied with the progress we have made, thus far, on
Phase II E911 rules. I know and respect that carriers have made concerted strides in this
area, but those efforts must be re-doubled. It goes without saying that there is a new
sense of urgency around using mobile phones as important safety devices. They have
become indispensable tools for calling for help and for delivering help.
Thankfully, we are only at the beginning of the implementation of this process
and not at the end. I am committed to reaching that end with full and unqualified
success. Today, we accept revised implementation plans from some of the major carriers.
We initiate enforcement investigations with regard to others. All these decisions are
designed to pursue single-mindedly one objective: the full availability of enhanced 911
by the original deadline established by the Commission. Given that this service can save
lives, I trust that the carriers, the manufacturers and public safety authorities will work
tirelessly to get this service to people as soon before that deadline as possible. It is not
good enough to go for a gentleman's "C." This test requires an "A+" effort.
I look forward to working with my colleagues, the public safety community, the
carriers and their suppliers, Congress and other governmental agencies, including the
Department of Transportation, on exploring ways to ensure and facilitate the successful
nationwide deployment of E911.